Cichlids of the World

Cichlids have adapted to live, survive and breed in different parts of the world, in a vast array of habitats, with specialised feeding techniques and a myriad of breeding and parenting styles.

Broadly speaking cichlids are grouped according to their location, and the broken down into subgroups based on physiological features, habitat and behavioural traits. Cichlids are found in Africa, Central America, South America and Asia.

African cichlids can be further divided into the following main groups prior to examining the other traits;

Tanganyika Cichlids

Malawi Cichlids

Victoria Cichlids

Madagascan Cichlids

Other African Cichlids

Central American cichlids can be further divided into the following main groups;

Archocentrus Group

Thorichthys Group

Rheophilic Group

Detritus Feeders

Herbivores

Guapotes

South American cichlids can be further divided into the following main groups prior to examining the other traits;

Large Cichlids

Dwarf Cichlids

Angelfishes

Discus

Crenicichla Group

There is only one true Asian cichlid and all belong to the one genus, Etroplus, commonly known as Chromides. There are three species located in coastal regions of Sri Lanka and Southern India. The three species include E. maculatus (Orange Chromide), E. suratensis (Green Chromide) and E. canarensis which was presumed to be extinct until it was rediscovered in the 1990s.